TIN COLLECTING: A WONDERFUL WORLD OF LITHOGRAPHY

The initial attraction to tin collecting is perhaps the advertising, colorful graphics and lithographs.

King Edward IV Commemorative Tin, C. 1940

Riley Bros. Canadian Mountie Tin, C. 1960

Besides advertising, vintage tins can also have a variety of illustrated designs from commemorating historical events, historical sites, war scenes, war heroes, political figures, royalty, city scenes, etc.

Tins were one of the earliest marketing forms of advertising anywhere from biscuits, candy, coffee, cigarettes, condiments, gasoline, medicinal items, motor oil,  tea, tobacco, etc.

One may choose to collect either contemporary tins or vintage tins. The intrinsic value of vintage tins is that they are an instant investment and can add charm, color and history to any environment whether it is your kitchen or family room or country cottage. They are great conversation pieces that lend to the old general store ambiance.

Collecting vintage tins usually starts with some little finds in grandma's place or in a garage sale or flea market. As one wanders into tin collecting, he or she realizes that he is opening a whole new world of exploration into history. Now comes the thirst to know more about the tin, what it marketed, and the factory history of the manufacturer. Once this has happened you will now buy vintage tins for other purposes rather than for color graphics and decorating.